PRSRT STD U.S. Postage Paid Permit No. 746 Seattle, WA
VOL 35 NO 22
MAY 28 – JUNE 3, 2016
By Tiffany Ran NORTHWEST ASIAN WEEKLY With the fast changing landscape of King County, one of the first questions Adam Porter and the staff at the local Meals on Wheels thought to ask local community organizations was, “How can our program be more relevant to the people you serve?” From organizations like the Asian Counseling and Referral Service (ACRS) and Seattle Chinatown International District Preservation and Development Association (SCIDpda), the answer they got was: rice. For starters, Meals and Wheels should offer a side of rice with
FREE
34 YEARS YOUR VOICE
Meals on Wheels test drives Asian menu offerings through pilot program
see MEALS on 13
Meals on Wheels van. (Photo provided by Sound Generations)
Is cannabidiol the next miracle drug? DeepCell’s Ogilvie is banking on it By Chris Kenji Beer NORTHWEST ASIAN WEEKLY An industry or business sector as removed from the public eye as any is the technology innovation achieved through biotech, pharmaceutical, and medical research. Yet so much of our health depends on it, and so much controversy derives from companies like Monsanto and Pfizer and medicinal chemicals found in cannabis. Even more remote are companies that do the scientific research and develop the technology that facilitates the product extraction and licenses out the
enabling technology. When we speak of technology in these fields, let’s call it bio-medical technology collectively. It’s not easily visible hardware or tangible software code, but often occurs at the microscopic level. These companies achieve a unique ability to sparse out and separate chemical elements from a plant or other natural resources beyond what the eye can see. This is where Kelly Ogilvie’s professional life resides. He finds innovative ways to bridge the gap between raw materials, often possessing see OGILVIE on 15
GLOBAL FACE OF MAYBELLINE IS ASIAN I-Hua Wu shares what it means to be beautiful » see 7
MAKING SWEET MUSIC Friendship concert featuring two countries and one universal language. » see 8
COMMUNITY » 2 CALENDAR » 6 SUDOKU » 6 ASTROLOGY » 15
Kelly Ogilvie
Fork It: Seattle founders serve up new cooking app By Nina Huang NORTHWEST ASIAN WEEKLY
Ryan Waliany
■
Serena Wu
Growing up eating frozen foods from Costco and Flamin’ Hot Cheetos wasn’t the lifestyle Ryan Waliany and his wife Serena Wu wanted to continue. So they decided they wanted to put their tech experience to use by creating an app that would encourage healthier eating.
Tech entrepreneurs and co-founders of recipe startup and app Kitchenbowl, Waliany and Wu have launched their new app, Fork It, a cooking app where users can check into the app by uploading a photo of what they’ve cooked. These check-ins and photos are shared with their friends to motivate others to cook more. see FORK IT on 16
412 Maynard Ave. S., Seattle, WA 98104 • t. 206.223.5559 • f. 206.223.0626 • info@nwasianweekly.com • ads@nwasianweekly.com • www.nwasianweekly.com
asianweekly northwest
2
34 YEARS
MAY 28 – JUNE 3, 2016
■ NAMES IN THE NEWS Aki Kurose principal honored
She is the seventh Fulbright U.S. Scholar grant recipient from UW Bothell.
Seattle Fire Civilian Award
From left: Mia Tuan, Mia Williams and Rep. Adam Smith.
Mia Williams was honored as this year’s Washington middle school Principal of the Year for her work at Aki Kurose. Close to 100 people attended the Dean’s Circle Luncheon on May 3, held by the University of Washington College of Education (UWCOE). It involved presentations and a group conversation on the theme of great teaching.
Several firefighters and first medical responders were honored at the Seattle Fire Department’s Award Luncheon on May 18. And Dori Towler was the only Asian American to receive the Civilian award. Towler is a native Seattleite, a Dori Towler University of Washington graduate, and married with two young boys. She joined the Seattle Fire Department 14 years ago, starting out as a temporary receptionist. Towler has since worked her way up to senior personnel specialist, a position she’s held since 2007.
Ethnic Heritage Council awards
UW lecturer awarded Fulbright grant University of Washington Bothell lecturer Keya Sen has received a Fulbright Global Scholar Award to conduct public health research in India, China, and Bangladesh. Sen is a scientific adviser in the School of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. She’s also a public health Keya Sen microbiologist who previously worked for the federal Environmental Protection Agency and Food and Drug Administration. Sen, a Redmond resident who is originally from India, says she’s very excited by the grant and the chance for global research.
From left: Ethnic Heritage Council committee members Tino Salud, Rosanne Royer, Yasemin San, Bettie Luke, Jane Simmons, JoAnne Lee (president), Ann Wright, JoAnne Rudo, and Peter Lam.
The Ethnic Heritage Council held its Annual Dinner and Awards Ceremony on May 7, and honored Martha Golubiec and the Morovich family. Golubiec got the Aspasia Phoutrides Pulakis Memorial Award for her contribution to preserve, document, or present her community’s culture as part of the ethnic experience in the Pacific Northwest. The Morovich family received the Gordon Ekvall Tracie Memorial Award, which recognizes an ethnic performing
artist(s) for excellence in ethnic performance and for their significant contributions to the development and presentation of the traditional cultural arts.
Scholarship winners
Brian Amoeni
Kathleen Kouthong
Gordon Maeha
Veronica Sun
The University of Washington’s Office of Minority Affairs & Diversity (OMA&D) announced its 2016 Celebration Scholarship Recipients. Outstanding Educational Opportunity Program students, including Brian Amoeni, Kathleen Kouthong, Gordon Kaeo’Okalani Maeha, and Veronica Sun, each received a scholarship. OMA&D held its 46th annual celebration on May 5, supported by over 500 business and community patrons.
Kelsey Schmidt to represent WA Bellevue resident and fourth generation Japanese American, Kelsey Schmidt will represent Washington at the Miss USA® pageant in Las Vegas, on June 5. A send-off party was held on May 5 for Schmidt, 26. She received her B.A. in biology from Scripps College and is currently a predoctoral fellow at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research CenKelsey Schmidt ter and the University of Washington. Upon completion of her Ph.D. RD., Schmidt plans to open a nutritional consulting firm and continue her research in chronic disease prevention. Having been teased for being “chubby” growing up, Schmidt is passionate about helping young women embrace a healthy body image and lifestyle.
YOUR VOICE
MAY 28 – JUNE 3, 2016
asianweekly northwest
3
asianweekly northwest
4
MAY 28 – JUNE 3, 2016
■ NATIONAL NEWS
34 YEARS
U.S. judge in Seattle tosses lawsuit over green cards decision
Billionaire’s investment could sink Gannett bid for L.A. Times owner
SEATTLE (AP) — A federal judge in Seattle has thrown out a lawsuit by highly skilled immigrants from India and China who said they should have been allowed to apply to become legal permanent residents. U.S. District Judge Ricardo S. Martinez The lawsuit was filed last fall on behalf of tens of thousands of immigrants, many of whom work for top tech companies and medical firms. They said that early last September, a
NEW YORK (AP) — Tribune Publishing rejected a second takeover bid from USA Today owner Gannett, but did say on May 23 that it was open to further talks. Gannett last week raised its per-share bid for the owner of the Los Angeles Times, Chicago Tribune and other newspapers to $15, from $12.25. Gannett, based in McLean, Virginia, put the total value of the revised offer at about $864 million, which includes some $385 million in debt. The Chicago publisher called the offer inadequate, but revealed that it would sell 4.7 million shares to California billionaire Patrick Soon-Shiong for $70.5 million, which on a per-share basis is exactly what Gannett is offering. The stake was taken by Nant Capital, founded by Soon-Shiong, a surgeon and businessman. Nant is now Tribune Publishing’s second-largest shareholder and SoonShiong will become vice chairman of the board. Forbes estimates Soon-Shiong’s net worth at $11.8 billion. The announcement of his investment in Tribune Publishing was accompanied by a notice that the company had reached an agreement with one of Soon-Shiong’s companies to license more than 100 technology patents and to produce video at his NantWorks firm’s subsidiary, NantStudio.
State Department bulletin announced what categories of immigrants would be allowed to apply for their green cards beginning last Oct. 1. Because they fell in that category, they started spending thousands of dollars apiece on legal fees, paperwork and medical tests. But on Sept. 25, the government revised its bulletin, severely curtailing who could apply. U.S. District Judge Ricardo S. Martinez dismissed the lawsuit on May 16, saying the original announcement did not confer any rights on the immigrants.
John Chiang will raise money for California gubernatorial bid SAC R A M E N T O, Calif. (AP) — State Treasurer John Chiang says he will begin raising money to run for governor in 2018. Chiang, a Democrat, announced last week that he’s formed Treasurer John a campaign commit- State Chiang tee for a race that’s more than two years away. Chiang is the son of immigrants from Taiwan and would become California’s first Asian governor.
He was elected state treasurer in 2014 after stints as state controller and a member of the Board of Equalization. He joins a potentially crowded field of Democrats seeking California’s highest office. Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom started banking cash more than a year ago, and former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa is expected to run. Other potential contenders include former eBay executive and state controller Steve Westly, billionaire climate activist Tom Steyer and current Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti.
Restaurateur Tony Hu admits wire fraud, money laundering CHICAGO (AP) — The chef-owner of several Chicago-area Chinese restaurants has pleaded guilty to federal charges alleging he underpaid state taxes by not reporting all cash receipts. Tony Hu pleaded Tony Hu guilty to one count each of wire fraud and money laundering on May 16. Sentencing guidelines call for Hu to serve as much as four years in
prison. A plea bargain also calls for Hu to pay restitution of more than $1 million to the state. The 48-year-old Hu, whose real name is Hu Xiaojun, runs the Tony Gourmet Group. Besides restaurants in Chicago, Evanston and Downers Grove, the group operates one restaurant in Connecticut and one in Las Vegas. Federal agents executed search warrants at several of Hu’s restaurants in Chicago’s Chinatown neighborhood in October 2014. They also searched his Michigan Avenue condominium.
GOT A TIP? editor@nwasianweekly.com
Patrick Soon-Shiong
Gannett Co. said that it will determine whether to continue its pursuit of Tribune Publishing after that company’s June 2 stockholder’s annual meeting, where it has urged Tribune shareholders to reject the proposed slate of board nominees. The rejection on May 23 arrived three days after Gannett sent an excoriating letter to Tribune shareholders questioning the motives of the company board and Michael W. Ferro Jr., the publisher’s non-executive chairman. Tribune Publishing Co. did, however, invite Gannett to create a non-disclosure agreement so that the companies could determine whether a deal could be reached that see TRIBUNE on 12
YOUR VOICE
■ COMMUNITY NEWS
MAY 28 – JUNE 3, 2016
■ WORLD NEWS
Conference raises questions of diversity within Bothell PD
see NGUYEN on 13
■ BRIEFLY Photo provided by Fred Yee
CACA trip to Washington, D.C.
From left: Cathy Lee, Bettie Luke, Fred Yee, and Ming-Ming Tung-Edelman.
By Fred Yee SPECIAL TO THE NORTHWEST ASIAN WEEKLY Four board members of the Chinese American Citizen Alliance (CACA) Seattle Lodge joined 25 others from CACA lodges around the country for a 5-day whirlwind visit to Washington, D.C. The purpose of the trip, which began May 1, was to visit congressional members or their staff to advocate for issues that are core national priorities for CACA. The Seattle delegates included Ming-Ming Tung-Edelman, Bettie Luke, Cathy Lee, and Fred Yee. Tung-Edelman, Seattle Lodge President, said this trip also gave CACA members a chance to personally experience the legislative process see CACA on 16
ICHS recognized by CDC The International Community Health Services (ICHS), located in the heart of Seattle’s Chinatown-International District neighborhood, has been recognized by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as one of only 18 Hypertension Control Champions in the nation. ICHS was also the only facility in Washington state to be named a 2015 Hypertension Control Champion, which honors health organizations that used evidence-based strategies and patient engagement to help their patients achieve healthy blood pressure control rates. Nearly one in three American adults has high blood pressure, a leading cause of heart disease and stroke. Nearly half of adults with high blood pressure do not have their condition under control.
Photo credit: Bothell Police Sgt. Ethan Nguyen, Bothell Police
northwest
5
Tsai Ing-wen inaugurated as Taiwan’s first woman president
By Trevor Chapman NORTHWEST ASIAN WEEKLY Officers from the Bothell Police Department attended the second annual Diversity and Inclusion Conference at the University of Washington, Bothell to discuss their agency’s diversity policy and action. The conference on April 8 doubled in size from the previous year, according to UW Bothell Chancellor Dr. Bjong Wolf Yeigh. “What I thought was interesting was that the people who attended the conference were supportive of the theme,” says Sergeant Ethan Nguyen of the Bothell Police Department. “People on the
asianweekly
TAIPEI, Taiwan (AP) — Taiwan of China that relocated to Taiwan has inaugurated its first female in 1949 as the communists swept president. to power on the Chinese mainTsai Ing-wen will confront maland. jor challenges in her new role, China claims Taiwan as its including navigating what seem own territory and has responded certain to be increasingly fracto Tsai’s election by intensifying tious relations with Beijing and pressure on the island with milirejuvenating the island’s flagging Tsai Ing-wen tary exercises, diplomatic moves economy. and cross-border deportations. Tsai took the oath of office at the PresiAt home, Tsai faces an economy that dential Office Building in the capital Tai- has fallen into a recession as exports have pei before a national flag and portrait of dropped due to sluggish demand. Sun Yat-sen, the founder of the Republic
asianweekly northwest
6
MAY 28 – JUNE 3, 2016
34 YEARS
■ COMMUNITY CALENDAR MAY
JUNE
26
3
5
25
(LAST DAY)
GREATER SEATTLE CHINESE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE LUNCHEON, “7 THINGS YOU CAN DO TO BUILD YOUR BRAND WITH SOCIAL MEDIA” Joyale Seafood Restaurant, 900 S. Jackson St. #203, Seattle 11 a.m.–1:30 p.m. $25 seattlechinesechamber.org
THE MEDITATIVE SOUNDSCAPES PROJECT BY KAORU KAKIZAKAI & GARY STROUTSOS Seattle Asian Art Museum 2 p.m. $15 seattlebambooflute.org
ACRS WALK FOR RICE Seward Park 8 a.m.–1 p.m. Free acrs.walkforrice.org
BEYOND WORDS: CALLIGRAPHY FROM AROUND THE WORLD The M. Rosetta Hunter Art Gallery, Seattle Center College 9 a.m.–3:30 p.m., Mon–Fri 5–7 p.m., Tue and Wed Free admission seattlecentral.edu/artgallery CENTER CITY CONNECTOR OPEN HOUSE Bush-Asia Ceter, Plaza Level, 409 Maynard Ave. S., Seattle Free 6–8 p.m. seattlestreetcar.org
27 HACT CONSTRUCTION INAUGURATION CELEBRATION Tea Palace Restaurant, Renton 6 p.m. $30/person, suggested donation NORTHWEST FOLKLIFE FESTIVAL’S OPENING NIGHT BY CHRIS KENJI BEER WITH “KOTO JAZZ – SOUNDS ON THE COAST” Seattle Center, Center Theatre 4:30–5:10 p.m. kotojazz.wordpress.com Chris Kenji Beer’s music is also airing on 98.1 KING Classical radio
27–30 NORTHWEST FOLKLIFE FESTIVAL PRESENTED BY SEATTLE CANCER CARE ALLIANCE Seattle Center $10/person donation requested
4 TASTE OF ASIA, COOKING LESSON: INDIA Asia Pacific Cultural Center, 4851 South Tacoma Way, Tacoma 12 p.m. $25 asiapacificculturalcenter.org/tasteofasia CARB UP! ACRS COMMUNITY LUNCH FOR WALK FOR RICE, FEATURING PERCHE NO CHEF ALEX KONG ACRS, Seattle 11 a.m.–1 p.m. $15 carbupacrs.shindigg.com (tickets)
4&5 MEET AMMA RENOWNED HUMANITARIAN SPIRITUAL LEADER Edward D. Hansen Conference Center, 2000 Hewitt Ave., Everett 10 a.m. & 7 p.m. Free 206-322-8337 ammapnwtour@gmail.com PAGDIRIWANG PHILIPPINE FESTIVAL PRESENTS “THE MYSTS OF THE CORDILLERAS” Seattle Center 11 a.m.–7 p.m. festalpagdiriwang.com
CELEBRATE THE DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL Seattle Public Library 2–4 p.m. 206-684-0849 spl.org
13 THANK YOU DONNIE CHIN: COMMUNITY BBQ Canton Alley, Seattle 6–9 p.m. Free facebook.com/ events/720087398132406
18 GUIDED TOUR: PACIFIC BONSAI MUSEUM Oriental Garden Center, 30650 Pacific Highway S., Federal Way 10 a.m. $15 253-839-1639
23 COMMUNITY MEETING ON PUBLIC SAFETY ABOUT THE DONNIE CHIN MURDER INVESTIGATION AND FUTURE PLANS FOR THE IDEC Nagomi Teahouse, 519 6th Ave. S. #200, Seattle 5:30–7:30 p.m.
28 CONGRESSMAN ADAM SMITH GRANTS WORKSHOP, “LEARN HOW TO BETTER ACCESS FEDERAL FUNDS TO HELP YOUR COMMUNITY!” Nagomi Tea House, 519 6th Ave. S. #200, Seattle Shakisha Ross, 425-793-5180, shakisha.ross@mail.house.gov
JULY 1 SUBMISSION DEADLINE IS JULY 1 & SEPTEMBER 15
ETHNIC HERITAGE COUNCIL’S STUDENT VIDEO CONTEST AND FILM FESTIVAL OPEN TO KING COUNTY STUDENTS IN MIDDLE, JUNIOR HIGH AND HIGH SCHOOL, AND UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS Entry forms due July 1 Videos due September 15 ethnicheritagecouncil.org
View the solution on page 14
Assunta Ng
Account Executives
John Liu
rebecca@nwasianweekly.com
Ruth Bayang
kelly@nwasianweekly.com
Han Bui
john@nwasianweekly.com
Publisher assunta@nwasianweekly.com Associate Publisher john@nwasianweekly.com Editor editor@nwasianweekly.com
Rebecca Ip Kelly Liao John Liu
Layout & Web Editor han@nwasianweekly.com
Stacy Nguyen
At-large/special projects stacy@nwasianweekly.com
The NW Asian Weekly has one simple goal: “To empower the Asian community.” The Editorial Board reserves the right to reject any advertisement, letter or article. Subscriptions cost $40 for 52 weeks of the NW Asian Weekly and $30 for 52 weeks of the Seattle Chinese Post. The NW Asian Weekly owns the copyright for all its content. All rights reserved. No part of this paper may be reprinted without permission. 412 Maynard Ave. S., Seattle, WA 98104 • t. 206.223.5559 info@nwasianweekly.com • ads@nwasianweekly.com • www.nwasianweekly.com
MAY 28 – JUNE 3, 2016
YOUR VOICE
■ BEAUTY
asianweekly northwest
7
Photo credit: Beauty Beyond Borders
Turning passion for beauty into business
By Peggy Chapman NORTHWEST ASIAN WEEKLY Friends and former Microsoft employees Ke Chen, 27, and Neima Shahidy, 28, founded Beauty Beyond Borders (3B) in early 2015 while they were doing work unrelated to beauty. Both were working for the Surface tablet division at Microsoft. Chen was working with product management and marketing, and Shahidy was doing business planning. It was nothing related to what they were also doing on the side. Neither woman ever pictured being surrounded by boxes in their house, stuffing serum, silk fingerballs, and packets of sea cucumber face masks into purple pouches, fulfilling orders that exceeded demand for a wait list of clients eager to get their boxes of Asian beauty product samples. Chen, who originally wanted to be a doctor (she was specializing in “medical sociology”) didn’t imagine she would eventually be taking on her own company and curating subscription Asian beauty boxes. For those unfamiliar with the subscription box service model, it is a variation of the traditional magazine service.
Some of the products featured by Beauty Beyond Borders.
Some of the products featured by Beauty Beyond Borders.
The subscriber signs up for a regular box service shipment (usually monthly, bi-monthly, or quarterly) and the customer gets the opportunity to sample the products and
Maybelline’s first Asian global face Taiwanese model I-Hua recently became Maybelline’s first Asian face, and will appear on advertisements worldwide. Though the makeup brand has previously used Asian faces, such as Chinese model Shu Pei in ads, Wu, who is from Taiwan, will be the first featured in a global campaign. She will join the likes of Heri- I-Hua eth Paul and Jourdan Dunn on ads around the globe. “Lots of Taiwanese models come [to New York] and work hard, but have never been recognized because Taiwan is so small,” Wu told New York Magazine. “I’m happy to shine some light on it.” Wu revealed that she never thought about becoming a model because she was bullied
for her looks. “I was too tall, or different somehow — I’m not really sure. I didn’t have any friends and was ostracized. In junior high, I cried every single day,” she said. When she entered a modeling competition, where she was discovered, she finally met other tall people, though she still doesn’t think she’s as beautiful as everyone else thinks she is. For Wu, her modeling experience has taught her that there is no single definition of beauty. And now, as Maybelline’s global ambassador, Wu can widen the world’s perception on beauty, especially among the Asian community where they mostly prefer paler skin and big eyes. “As long as you think you’re beautiful, you will be beautiful.”
WE ARE HIRING! The City of Bothell is a diverse community with many opportunities. Please visit our website www.bothellwa.gov for information on careers with our police department and fire departments, as well as other positions we currently have available.
gets more information on how to purchase the product. The box services tend to be popular with markets with trends that fluctuate constantly. For example, there’s Cravebox for healthy snacks, Club W for wine, and Birchbox, which could be considered the most famous and popular of the increasingly crowded subscription beauty box market. The sample boxes allow for potential customers to test before investing in the full product. The subscription beauty boxes available as of spring 2016 range from Sephora’s newly launched $10 “Play” box to $225 for a see BEAUTY on 12
asianweekly northwest
8
■ FEATURE
34 YEARS
MAY 28 – JUNE 3, 2016
Photo courtesy of Dr. Miho Takekawa.
Experience the magic of music and cultural exchange at the 2016 Friendship Concert
The Kumamoto Temple in the background was heavily damaged by the Kumamoto earthquakes in April.
By Arlene Kiyomi Dennistoun NORTHWEST ASIAN WEEKLY Imagine an orchestra of girls from Japan performing with musicians from Washing-
ton. Everyone’s a volunteer and conversation among the performers is nearly impossible because of the language barrier. Welcome to the essence of the 2016 Friendship Concert, with performances by the
Tamana Girls High School Band and the Graham-Kapowsin High School Wind Ensemble, brought to you by the imagination, energy, and passion of Dr. Miho Takekawa and Tomio Yamamoto.
The concert is free and donations are welcome, with all proceeds going to over 10,000 families in Kumamoto still living in temporary shelters because of the devastating earthquakes in April. The Tamana Girls High School is in Kumamoto, and some of the students had to cancel their plans to travel to Washington. But the music of the Friendship Concert perseveres. On June 5 at 3 p.m. in Lagerquist Hall, at Pacific Lutheran University, the Friendship Concert founded by Takekawa, a PLU percussion professor, and Yamamoto, vice president of the Kansai Band Association, will showcase the award-winning girls band from Tamana, Japan, and their talented sister band, the Graham-Kapowsin High School Wind Ensemble. Takekawa has an easy laugh, and her voice is soothing and ecstatic at the same time as she talks about the upcoming Friendship Concert and ongoing exchange program. She’s organized exchange trips for musical students in Washington and Japan for over 10 years. “It’s been amazing,” said Takekawa. “The reason I keep doing this is because I have witnessed the importance of young people’s lives and what they need. Doing good things for each other at a local, community level is a good thing. That’s why the concert is called ‘The Friendship Concert,’ because it’s based on friendship. I want to be a part of a community that aims higher for young people’s lives.” In addition to teaching percussion, performing, and playing the marimba as part of the Miho and Diego Duo, Takekawa is hosting 65 high school girls from the Tamana orchestra, who are traveling to Seattle to perform this year. Takekawa also takes American students to Japan see FRIENDSHIP on 12
Accept the challenge! You can make a difference in your community! The King County Sheriff’s Office protects a diverse community and is recruiting a diverse police force —especially female candidates. Do you have a strong desire to give back to your community? Do you have excellent communication and interpersonal skills?
Then a career with the King County Sheriff’s Office may be for you. We provide excellent salary and benefit packages, including excellent family leave and retirement benefits, as well as career advancement opportunities. There are many unique assignments ranging from community-based patrol to specialized deputy positions. If you can make sound decisions under stress, and want to make a career of being involved in your community, then join the growing number of women in the King County Sheriff’s Office. For more information and to apply, go to www.kingcountysheriffjobs.com.
Step up! It’s your career, your community. Make a difference in King County today!
YOUR VOICE
■ SIFF REVIEWS
MAY 28 – JUNE 3, 2016
“Death by Design” documentary makes world premiere at Seattle International Film Festival
asianweekly northwest
9
“The Final Master”
By Andrew Hamlin NORTHWEST ASIAN WEEKLY
By Tiffany Ran NORTHWEST ASIAN WEEKLY Sue Williams has worked in China for many years and directed five feature documentaries about China, told through the perspective of its citizens. In her most recent documentary, “Death by Design,” which debuted at the Seattle International Film Festival in May, she uncovers the environmental costs of the manufacturing and disposal
of digital devices in the international electronics industry — consequences some assume is specific to China, but as the film shows, affect the global environment and economy at large. In the world of digital reliance, the cell phone, tablet, or laptop has become the most beloved item for billions of users across the globe. While a cascade of new devices
Except for one quick, brutal, and negligible scene early on, “The Final Master” abides by that most sacred of martial arts film shibboleths: The challengers must attack the Master one at a time. Because if they all attacked at once, as “Mad” magazine put it many years ago, “They’d beat his brains out.” But Xu Haiofeng’s film delves deeply into tradition — who’s got tradition, who wants to continue tradition, who does and does not deserve to continue tradition — so for it to adhere to tradition in cinematic ways is hardly surprising, and ultimately a comfort.
see DEATH on 14
see MASTER on 13
Are you or someone you know over the age of 61? Making less than $40,000 per year and living in your own home? You may qualify for the senior property tax exemption. This program is a right that you are entitled to receive if you qualify. If qualified, we can help reduce your property tax burden and save you money. For more information call the King County Assessor’s Office today at 206-296-3920. King County Assessor John Wilson
ATTENTION SENIORS!
asianweekly northwest
10
34 YEARS
MAY 28 – JUNE 3, 2016
■ Pictorial
Photos by George Liu/NWAW The Bellevue Arts Museum gave us an exclusive preview on May 19 of Inspiring Beauty: 50 Years of Ebony Fashion Fair and Balance and Tension: The Furniture of Seth Rolland. The exhibition (May 20–Aug 14) explores the 50-year history of the fashion spectacle that redefined concepts of beauty, style, and empowerment for African Americans. From left: Winona Hauge, Linda Johnson Coats, and Sonia Doughty (BAM Development Director)
Evening coat based on the formal Japanese kimono, designed by Hanae Mori.
From left: Dr. Paula Houston (Sound Generations CEO), Sheila Edwards Lange (Seattle Central College President), and Lenny Wilkens (former Seattle SuperSonics head coach).
A cocktail dress made out of flexible tubing covered in fabric, designed by Tilmann Grawe.
Sexy Cinderella in leather boots, designed by L’Amour Ameer.
PRODUCE From left: Christine Lee, Dr. Julie Miller (BAM president), Nancy Li and Mitch Smith (MG2 CEO and BAM board member).
Shanghai Bok Choy Miu
Bittermelon
Champagne Mango 12 ct
$13.99/box
$1.29/lb
$1.19/lb
Fresh Ginger
SEAFOOD Beef Short Rib BBQ (Premium Quality)
NY Striploin Beef Steak
$5.49/lb
$4.49/lb
$0.99/lb
Evening dress with lace hieroglyphs, designed by Sarli.
$2.99/lb
$1.29/lb
$0.99/lb
110/130 White Shrimp 4lbs.
Fresh Sierra Mackerel
FZ Galungung
Chicken Leg Quarter
Chicken Drumstick Evening dress by Patrick Kelly.
$1.99/lb
$0.99/lb
$0.49/lb
MEAT
Chinese-inspired evening ensemble by Yves Saint Laurent.
Okra
Chinese Broccoli
$12.99/4lbs box
Fresh Halibut Collars
Pork Shank Bonless
$2.99/lb
$3.49/lb
Fresh Smelt Fish
$1.99/lb
GROCERY
MT Lemongrass Slice MT Crushed 16oz Cassava 14oz /ea /ea
$1.39
$0.99
MT Fz Soursop 11oz
$1.69/ea
MT Japanese Swt Potato 14oz
$1.09/ea
PK Tom Yum Paste 16oz
$2.79/ea
KHS Swt Soy Sauce 21oz
$1.99/ea
LAL Sardines in X.O. 7oz
$0.89/ea
TN G7 2in1 Coffee 15s
LKK Panda Oyster Sauce 18oz
$1.79/ea
$2.99/ea
Offer only good while supplies last. We reserve the right to correct all printed errors.
All sale lasts from Friday 5/27 to Thursday 6/2 1221 S. King St., Seattle ∙ 206-720-0969 Monday–Sunday: 8 a.m.–8 p.m. • lamsseafood.com
MAY 28 – JUNE 3, 2016
YOUR VOICE
asianweekly northwest
11
OPINION
■ EDITORIAL Want police diversity? Members of API community need to cop to it As people around the city of Seattle and the nation celebrated and observed Asian Pacific Islander American Heritage Month, the topic of diversity and API representation in the Seattle Police Department (SPD)’s top ranks entered my mind. A study entitled “An Assessment of the Seattle Police Department’s Community Engagement: Through Recruitment, Hiring, and Training” released earlier this year found that Asians are proportionately the least represented in the SPD. Asians make up 13 percent of the population of Seattle and 10 percent of the applicant pool, but only 7 percent of the department is Asian. Similarly in the King County Sheriff’s office, APIs make up 16 percent of the population and only 6 percent of the department is a member of the API community. In a letter responding to criticisms about the lack of diversity, Seattle Police Chief Kathleen O’Toole said, “Of the 94 internal and external candidates who applied for the assistant chief positions [last year], there was only one external applicant who identified with the API community. Unfortunately, I was informed that individual did not meet
the minimum requirements in the job specifications.” Community leader Alan Sugiyama asked, “How effective was [O’Toole’s] recruitment if it resulted in only one “unqualified” API candidate? I would have expected her to re-open the search and told the recruiter to come back with more diverse candidates.” I am of the mindset that police departments nationwide have good intentions and they do their best to hire a diverse staff. But they have a long way to go. And they need to do more in the way of community outreach if they want a police force that truly reflects the people it serves. The hiring process aside, perhaps the API community needs to take a hard look at itself and be honest. The lack of diversity in SPD’s upper echelon could be a problem created and perpetuated by APIs themselves. How many Asian parents do you know pressure their kids to enter law enforcement? The professions preferred by API parents include doctors, lawyers, engineers, and accountants. Understandably, first generation APIs, who came to the United States because the economic situation in their home
country was bad, want their children to secure high paying jobs that can survive economic downturns. The mindset is that more money equals a safe and better life. Those preferred professions also carry a certain prestige and bragging rights. It’s a universal longing that parents want to know that they’ve done a good job of raising their kids and secured a “good life” for them. They want to be able to say, “Look at what an awesome job we did as parents.” They want to have peace of mind — their own fears, worries, struggle, pain, and disappointments are more than enough for them. So as much as possible, they want to eliminate the insecurities, worries, struggle, pain, and disappointments from the lives of their children. If we, as APIs, want diversity in the command staff at police departments, perhaps we should take some responsibility and do our part. If it’s too distasteful to actually encourage your children to enter law enforcement, then don’t discourage them, guilt trip, or shame them if that’s what they choose.
■ LETTERS
WA representative blasts Housing crisis — help available for API seniors Seattle Colleges choice of new chancellor By Sharon Tomiko Santos FOR NORTHWEST ASIAN WEEKLY
Sharon Tomiko Santos
May 16 Steven Hill Chair, Board of Trustees Seattle Community College District 1500 Harvard Avenue Seattle, WA 98122 Dear Mr. Hill, I write to express my bitter disappointment in the decision of the Seattle Community College District Board of Trustees to pass over a highly qualified native son for the position of Chancellor. This Community College District is in dire need of a competent leader, someone who already knows the system, the city, and the key constituencies; someone who can help to unify these disparate elements, which have endured too much turmoil of late, under a common vision and purpose. There is little time or patience for a new administrator to get up to speed on the complex challenges and relationships that
must be addressed immediately to restore internal and external confidence in the management and oversight of the Seattle Community College District. This is why I am shocked that the Trustees decided to forego the selection of Mark Mitsui as the next Chancellor. Mark Mitsui served the Seattle Community College District with distinction for many years in the position of vice president for South Seattle Community College and, then, as president of North Seattle Community College. His reputation for innovation and his quest to expand the promise of higher education for students who are largely invisible to the mainstream brought him to the attention of the U. S. Department of Education. Impressed with his accomplishments, the federal government recruited Mr. Mitsui to contribute his vision, his knowledge, and his experience to serve a larger constituency of community and technical colleges across the nation. If the federal government recognized the caliber of talent that Mr. Mitsui has to offer, why was his record not worthy of the very institution that was his launching pad? Indeed, upon appointing Mitsui to serve as the president of North Seattle Community College in 2010, the current departing Chancellor noted, “With his long history in the region, he also understands our city and what we need to accomplish to best serve it.” Some of the qualities and assets that Mr. Mitsui possesses have unquantifiable significance. He was born and raised in the Central Puget Sound where he graduated from the public schools before see SANTOS on 13
The housing crisis in King County does not discriminate when it comes to affordability. Old or young, far too many of our neighbors struggle to pay the rent or to cover the costs of staying in their home. Asian and Pacific Islander communities — 20 percent of King County’s population — are just as affected by the high-cost of housing as everyone else. There is help, however. One exciting development is the Publix Hotel project in Seattle’s International District. Owned by the Moriguchi family, this renovated building will be home to 125 affordable apartments and some retail businesses. It will only add strength and vitality to the ID, one of Seattle’s most interesting and vibrant neighborhoods. Sadly, however, our housing crisis is much larger than any one project, private or public. So I’d like to mention two programs that can help low-income seniors and people with disabilities stay in their homes. One is the senior tax exemption. The other is a tax deferral program for seniors and people unable to work. The first thing to know is these programs help people on low incomes. For an exemption, the occupant homeowner must have an annual household income that does not exceed $40,000, or for a deferral, the annual household income must be more than $45,000. Anyone with questions also may call our staff at the King County Assessor’s office, 206-296-3920. The Senior Exemption program provides property tax reductions at three different levels, depending on total income. For the greatest benefit, if a household income is below $30,000, an exemption is available for regular levies on 60 percent of your home’s value. For property tax exemptions, homeowners
Photo provided by John Wilson.
By John Wilson KING COUNTY ASSESSOR
John Wilson with daughters Carrie (left) and Rachelle (right).
must be at least 61 years old, provide proof of income, and live in the residence. Applications for tax exemptions will be for relief in the year after the application is filed. Property tax exemptions must be renewed every four years. People qualifying for property tax exemptions are not required to repay the exempted taxes (unless of course it turns out the exemptions prove to be fraudulent, in which case repayment and penalties may apply). For all the details please see http://www.dor.wa.gov/ docs/pubs/prop tax/seniorexempt.pdf. The property tax deferral program for senior citizens and disabled persons does not waive taxes. Rather, the taxes are paid by the state, a lien is then placed on the qualified property and all deferred taxes are repaid with interest when the property is sold or passed on. For property tax deferrals, applicants’ annual household income can’t exceed $45,000, and, generally, you must be at least 60 years old or unable to work due to disability. Details for the property tax deferral program may be reviewed at dor. wa.gov/docs/pubs/prop_tax/seniordefs.pdf see WILSON on 15
asianweekly northwest
12
MAY 28 – JUNE 3, 2016
TRIBUNE from 4 would benefit everyone. Gannett’s attempts to acquire Tribune Publishing follow a recent shake-up at the company.
34 YEARS
In February, Ferro Jr. made a $44.4 million cash investment in Tribune through his Merrick Media. At the time, Ferro owned a sizeable stake in Tribune’s crosstown rival, the Chicago Sun-Times. He later said that he would donate the SunTimes stake to a charitable trust to avoid the appearance of a
BEAUTY from 7
FRIENDSHIP from 8
limited-edition high-end Glossybox. Chen’s concept was the 3B box containing four to five deluxe samples (sometimes full-size when possible). The boxes would include all Asian products, usually at least 80 percent skincare, and would cost $12 per box, delivered once a month. So what did Chen decide would make 3B stand out in the highly competitive subscription box market — especially the popular beauty market? Chen was counting on the passion her customers have for the Asian beauty market, which reflects her own passion, experience, and excitement. She recalled getting her first Shiseido set when she was 12 years old from her mother, and from that point on, how beauty and the ritual, smell, packaging, all added to the appeal. Chen created her own YouTube videos and blogged reviews of beauty products as a teenager. She recounted trips back from Asia where she would return with her luggage full of skincare products. Family, friends, and colleagues reinforced her obsession with keeping up with the products, and she realized she was not alone in the fascination with beauty and skincare, trendy or not. She wanted to keep up with it. She realized there were “plenty of other Asian beauty fans.” According to Chen, the Asian beauty market is approximately 10 to 12 years ahead of the rest of the market here in the United States. She believes the Korean beauty market is an especially “hypermarket,” one which is hard to keep up with — a market where many of the true fans bring home suitcases stuffed with products whenever they make a trip to Asia, just like she did. 3B’s growing customer base supported Chen’s belief that there was a demand to stay up-to-date with the Asian skincare and beauty market. She felt it made sense to have a sample service to fulfill the need to test the newest trends, without making costly trips to fill those suitcases. The new 3B office is now situated in an office in Westlake Tower. Chen and Shahidy quit their full-time jobs to focus on 3B. The days of battling boxes and stuffing pouches during late-night hours in the house are over. Well, not quite over. Chen is realistic when it comes to the business and doesn’t want to discount the learning process. “[It’s not] from nothing to Facebook overnight. …That’s a misconception and it is an isolating process. … You’re on to the next challenge. …It is not instant success overnight.” Chen said Shahidy’s help has been crucial. “A co-founder is so important. The single best decision I ever made. … You need someone there who gets it.” When asked if she still stresses out, “Stress out? Yes! Every phone call!” Even with all the stress, was it worth quitting the six-figure job? “Yes!” Chen was also happy to share information about new trends in the beauty market. Look out for cushion foundations and carbonated face masks.
every other year. She took 24 students to Tamana last year and she laughed at the question regarding the time and effort it takes to coordinate travel, hosting, and logistics. “We’re very organized,” she said. She started the exchange program with college students before developing high school sister bands. “College students are really busy, and they have to think about themselves,” said Takekawa. “High school kids have more things in common, and that’s really the age they need more information about what others do.” “Music really helps the students to communicate. It’s amazing how they connect through broken English, Google translation, and whatever they can do at home,” explained Takekawa. The high school students play music together, but can’t really have a normal conversation. “There’s definitely a big language barrier,” said Takekawa. Although Japanese students study English at school, it’s mainly reading and writing, so Takekawa said it’s “very difficult for them to just say, ‘Hey, what’s up?’ or ‘What’s going on?’ Those kinds of sayings are not included in their culture,” said Takekawa. Despite not being able to talk to one another, she said, the students look at the music together, and use body language, pointing and gesturing to communicate. “Somehow, when they’re on stage, and there’s almost 100 people from Tamana High School and Graham-Kapowsin High School performing, it’s amazing — they sound great!” Takekawa does her best to translate for the students, and before everyone had cell phones, she even translated love letters. “I didn’t want to read them, but I had to translate for them. It was just the cutest thing!” Takekawa said. “Some of the kids have stayed in touch for 12 years. They visit, and invite each other to weddings, and share images of their children,” all the while, keeping Takekawa in the loop. “That’s why I have over 1,500 Facebook friends!” Takekawa has studied piano since she was 3 years old, switching to percussion at age 13, because she failed to qualify for Japanese private music conservatory mid-
For more information, visit the3bbox.com. Peggy Chapman can be reached at info@nwasianweekly.com.
conflict of interest. Ruth Bayang contributed to this report.
dle school. “After learning piano since I was 3, I thought I was pretty good, but obviously I was not!” joked Takekawa. It was in public school where Takekawa became enthralled with the first female drummer she’d ever seen or heard in her life. “She was just outstanding. It stood out for me, and I said, ‘I want to be like her!’” said Takekawa. Through her passion and dedication, she went on to a private music conservatory during high school. “It’s been a long journey,” said Takekawa, of her musical beginnings, to where she is today.
Transforming young lives
“It’s very curious, when the girls from Japan came here to America, they had never experienced hugging people,” said Takekawa. The girls stayed with host families and after the host moms cried with joy and hugged the girls, the girls learned to hug each other. “That’s really sweet.” And after the Japanese girls leave each year, “the American teachers all come to me and say my entire school has changed. Thank you!” said Takekawa. American students learn to demonstrate respect by bowing to the girls, and normal demands turn into requests. Something as simple as needing to go to the bathroom during rehearsal or lectures changed from getting up and saying, “I have to go to the bathroom,” to practicing patience and asking, “Is it okay, may I go?” Takekawa explained that American students normally get up and go when they need to. But in Japanese culture, it’s considered rude. Michael Higgins, a senior at GrahamKapowsin High School, went to Tamana last year as part of Takekawa’s exchange program. He agrees the experience was transformative. “After we got back from the trip, there was the most amount of respect and maturity I’ve ever seen from any group, including in myself. Just spending time with the Japanese girls — really it’s their kindness that I think affected all of us.” The most profound change Higgins noticed in himself was his shift in priorities. “I’d always been really focused on my schoolwork, and friendship was second. After the exchange, I realized that friendship is the most important part of life. Yamamoto sensei told us before we
left that when you’re struggling, remember your friends here (in Tamana) are struggling, too. That really touched my heart. Friendship is so important to success and happiness,” said Higgins, who plays the clarinet and will be majoring in physics at the University of Washington next year. “The Tamana girls’ dedication to music and everything they do is phenomenal,” said Higgins. While in Tamana, “We’d spend four hours every day practicing. They sound phenomenal, but it’s kind of funny to see they’re their hardest critics as well. It’s just a totally different culture that we see in America.” Higgins finds it’s bittersweet that a lot of them don’t continue their music after they graduate. “The girls I met last year — most of them graduated, and quite a few of them are going into nursing programs.” Higgins further reflected on his first and only trip to Japan. “At first, everyone experienced the anxiety of culture shock because of how different it is there. My biggest insecurity ended up becoming probably the greatest experience of my life, because they just were so warm and welcoming, and it’s such an incredible culture they’ve built there, and the friendship they have with the G-K (Graham-Kapowsin).” “Their sense of community is totally different,” continued Higgins. “When we were struggling with music, their first instinct was to drop everything they were doing to help us. Here in America, where most of the times if you can’t get something, other people aren’t instantly ready to jump to help.” As far as the language barrier, Higgins said, “Translators don’t do language-swap justice — there was more confusion than there was clarity.” There weren’t many conversations except for brief exchanges, but Higgins said the Japanese and American students connected through music. “It’s very rare for something to be so universal as music, and to play with them, to feel the same emotions, and to create the music — that was the deepest connection we had.” Arlene Kiyomi Dennistoun can be reached at info@nwasianweekly.com.
www.buckleylaw.net
Seattle Office 675 S. Lane St. Suite 300 Seattle, WA 98104 Office: (206) 622-1100 Toll free: (800) 404-6200 Fax: (206) 622-0688
Our law firm has recovered over $200 million for clients
Tacoma Office Wells Fargo Plaza Suite 1400 Tacoma, WA 98402 (appointment only)
Our Attorneys & Staff Proudly Serving the Community
Auto accidents Back & neck injuries Brain damage Wrongful Death Permanent Disability Pedestrian Accidents Quadriplegia/Paraplegia
Slip & fall Product Liability Contingent fees (no recovery, no fee, costs only) Same day appointments Before & after work appointments available Free initial consultation Home & hospital visits available
Member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum Selected as Super Lawyer Selected as Top 100 Trial Lawyers in the United States Member of Several Bar Associations
MAY 28 – JUNE 3, 2016
YOUR VOICE MASTER from 9 Set in pre-World War II China, it revolves around the dashing Liao Fan as Master Chen, a young man amazingly skilled in the art of knife fighting. He wants to keep his line of fighting true, real, and vital. But he runs afoul of the local dojos and local politicians, resulting in a dense stew of masters, acolytes, hidden motives, not-so-hidden politics, mistaken identities, early motion-picture technology, and
NGUYEN from 5 fence or who are ignorant on the topic [of diversity] should attend, but how do we reach those folks?” Other members of the Bothell Police Department explored their concerns about diversity and its importance to the department as well. “We’re making inroads to make connections and relationships within the community instead of keeping everybody at arms distance,” says Captain Mike Johnson of the Bothell Police Department. “We have a very diverse department and it makes it really a nice place to work. A lot of different people bringing stuff to the table.” Johnson credits this movement to a new wave of officers coming to the department with a new outlook on the job. “There’s [sic] younger cops coming into the workforce. They have a different understanding, a different perspective, a different background, a different history than the old guard of police,” he said. “It’s much more of a servant/leadership type attitude. We’re here to serve the public versus we’re here to go out and arrest the public.” One of the conference’s workshops, “Allyship,” discussed the inclusivity of underrepresented groups in the workplace. According to the conference webpage, “allies help promote inclusion among peers and work teams, they also help others understand the importance of equality, fairness, and mutual respect.” Nguyen experienced challenges finding that “allyship” at first, but has noticed a lot of progress since he was first hired in 1998. “I would go to training and it would be all white males,” Nguyen recalled. “Even though no one was actually saying, ‘Hey, you’re different,’ you knew.” Nguyen immigrated to the United States from a refugee camp in Guam after the Vietnam War. Through a church sponsorship, he was able to move to Klamath Falls, Oregon, where his family was the only Asian family in the city. “My parents were all saying, ‘Watch what you do, what you say, because you’re the only type of your person around,’” he remembered. “But what’s important to me about diversity in the
fighting knives of all shapes, sizes, and lineages. The fight sequences ring out with the clang of edged metal, and undoubtedly look much better on the big screen than the small screen on which I watched the preview. And the film has the courage to end on an ambiguous note. To let the viewers, after all that action, make up their own minds about these minds and hearts.
Trevor Chapman can be reached at info@ nwasianweekly.com.
THANK YOU FOR RECYCLING THIS NEWSPAPER! MEALS from 1 every meal, they said. It doesn’t matter if you’re having meatloaf and mashed potatoes — you need a side of rice. They went forward with the rice, and clients could select it as a side in lieu of a dinner roll. The side of rice took off and opened the door to additional feedback — the primary one being that the Asian style meals offered by Meals on Wheels were not very authentic. “We were also told that delivering a frozen meal to someone is not very gracious, and there would be some shame because the family should be taking care of elders. You have a big white van that says ‘Meals on Wheels’ pull up with frozen foods being delivered and it’s not going to work,” said Porter, director of Nutrition and Community Dining at Meals on Wheels. Meals on Wheels operates as a donation-based program offered through Sound Generation (formerly Senior Services). In 2015, Meals on Wheels delivered 436,828 meals to 2,528 clients in King County for a suggested donation of three dollars a meal. Current clients could select a maximum of 14 meals from a selection of over 35 dishes that include vegetarian, kosher, halal-certified, and now, in some cases, Asian meals through the new Asian cuisine pilot program. “The whole reason for Sound Generation’s Meals on Wheels program, as well as our other programs, is to keep your mother and father in their own home as long as
northwest
13
May 29 — Shoreline Community College Theater, 6:30 p.m. May 30 — Renton IKEA Performing Arts Center, 5:30 p.m. Director Haofeng Xu, Producers Dongqiu Chen, Xiaofeng Hu, and Xia Li, and Assistant Director Junfeng Xu are scheduled to attend all three showings.
May 28 — SIFF Cinema Uptown Festival, 6 p.m.
police department is being able to relate to the people that you serve.” “I feel proud of our agency, that we overrepresent the minority — because Bothell is pretty white,” Nguyen states. The United States Census Bureau estimates a Bothell population that is 78.6 percent white as of 2014, down from 79.7 percent in the 2010 census. Despite his diverse team, Nguyen is still concerned about the upper ranks of other departments in the area. “It’s nice that they have [minorities] as line people. If you don’t see them higher up, that’s a problem,” he says. “It’s just a copout to hire [people of color]. But what are you actually doing with that?” Nguyen would like to see improvement with the way culture and diversity is discussed to create more cohesive agencies, possibly in the form of semi-regular trainings, similar to UW Bothell’s Diversity and Inclusion Conference. “We have qualifications for firearms. For Bothell, we have a mandatory one, a minimum of twice a year,” Nguyen explains. “Why can’t they create something like [the diversity conference] where they learn something?” The Diversity and Inclusion conference provided a place to explore ideas and start discussions, but it can’t stop there. “It was a great conference, I think I learned a lot,” Nguyen says. “But it’s kind of preaching to the choir at this point.” Being inspired by the conference, Nguyen and Johnson are in the early stages creating a diversity group within the Bothell Police Department. The hope is to make sure the conversation of inclusion stays fresh and to allow the department to better serve the community. They have also hired a speaker from the “Courageous Conversation” workshop to come speak to the department. “We’re proactively thinking about how we build relationship with minorities and groups without our city,” says Nguyen. “As police, we want to change our face to the public.”
asianweekly
SANTOS from 11 pursuing further education at our state universities and, subsequently, beginning his career in the field as a teacher at Renton Technical College. His long family roots in this community equip him with an understanding of the mores and values we cherish in the Pacific Northwest as well as an appreciation of the historic role that community and technical colleges have played in developing the fabric of our local economy. In fact, I am certain that these are the very conditions fueling his interest and commitment to higher education here. The urge to contribute back to the very people and institutions that shaped one’s life is a force more powerful than a general abstract commitment to improve education. Mark Mitsui not only brought his resume and relationships to the table; he also brought his heart and his history back home. I see this as the most regrettable aspect of the decision of the Board of Trustees and as a great disservice to the students – current and future – of
the Seattle Community Colleges. In sum, I am deeply dismayed that the Seattle Community College District Board of Trustees chose to bypass a person who is the product of our own public schools and universities to lead our local community college system. What message are we sending to our students? “Go to college, and then go away.” For shame. Sincerely, — Sharon Tomiko Santos State Representative House of Representatives 37th Legislative District This letter was addressed to the Seattle Community College District Board of Trustees, leaders of the Washington Student Achievement Council and Washington State Board for Community & Technical Colleges, members of the Senate Higher Education Committee and House Higher Education Committee, the Washington State Speaker, the Lieutenant Governor, and Governor Jay Inslee.
KING COUNTY, WASHINGTON NOTICE TO PROPOSERS Proposals will be received for P00198P16, Work Order Regulatory Compliance, Land Acquisition and Community Relations Services for King County Wastewater Treatment Division; by the King County Procurement and Payables Section, 3rd Floor, 401 Fifth Avenue, Seattle, WA 98104, until 12:00 PM on June 13, 2016. The County may award up to two (2) contracts based on this solicitation and the total estimated price will be $1,000,000 each. There is a 20% minimum requirement for King County Certified Small Contractor and Supplier (SCS) firms on this contract. All solicitation documents are published at: https:// procurement.kingcounty.gov/procurement_ovr/login. aspx?ReturnUrl=%2fprocurement_ovr%2fdefault.aspx Contact: Esther Decker, 206-263-9323, esther.decker@ kingcounty.gov or Tina Davis, 206-263-2939, tina.davis@ kingcounty.gov.
possible, and how do we do that? Nutrition, senior services, maybe social work, and volunteer transportation,” said Dale Hoover, who has done outreach for Meal on Wheels for nearly 11 years. Hoover recalls the earliest conversations with Asian community outreach organizations and housing authorities in the International District that got the ball rolling. You and I could go to the Chinese restaurant across the street, he noted to other advocates. But many of their clients, for whom mobility is limited, cannot. He asked, “Wouldn’t it be nice to get something as close to the personal taste for Asian clients as possible?” Meals on Wheels operates on donations, Hoover points out, but it doesn’t mean that clients have to accept whatever the organization decides to give. “We did this for you,” he said to a group of elderly residents in the International District with the help of a translator. “The end of the story was this. I looked them in the eye and said, ‘We did this for you. We respect you and we wanted to do this for you,’ and when the interpreter said this to them, they all got up and clapped. It was so joyful,” said Hoover. From these initial discussions, the team at Meals on Wheels worked to launch an Asian cuisine pilot program that would not only feature a selection of Asian dishes, but also Meals on Wheels information, services, and screenings in the required languages and dialects. “As King County changes and becomes more culturally
diverse, our program is trying to do a better job of reaching out to underserved communities. We’re primarily a program that is English speaking white folks trying to appeal to a broader range of clients, so that we’re meeting all the needs of King County, not just a certain segment,” said Porter. The Asian cuisine pilot program is the first in King County where Meals staff trained and enable bilingual community advocates from a partnering organization to operate as a satellite Meals on Wheels, handling screening, meal orders, feedback, and meal production. The task is a great one for any nonprofit. Each meal from Meals on Wheels must satisfy a minimum of one-third of the recommended daily allowance of adult nutrition. The ability for the program to be available to more clients may be subject to space and budget. Currently, the Asian cuisine pilot program is available to a few select clients. The partnering organization has requested to remain anonymous while the program is in its pilot phase or until the Asian meals are more widely available. “We’re taking it slowly because anything new with that kind of complexity will take some time to work out. It took us several years to figure out how to do it,” said Porter. The next step may include outreach for community members to get involved in delivery and volunteers willing and able to serve the new demographic once Asian meals are more widely available, perhaps, Porter reckons, in the fall. Tiffany Ran can be reached at info@nwasianweekly.com.
asianweekly northwest
14
MAY 28 – JUNE 3, 2016
DEATH from 9 floods the market promising better entertainment, higher productivity, and a brighter future, the future of discarded gadgets is largely unknown. For Williams, the upgrade happy culture of the Information Age has led to a big piece of missing information. “It’s sort of odd to me, kind of incredible that nobody has looked under the covers to say, ‘What’s going on inside these things? How are they made? How are they updated?’ We’ve been wrapped into the heroic narrative of great inventors, but if it’s too good to be true, it’s probably too good to be true. I think we need to take a step back from the excitement.” From a small town in New York, where former IBM employees are wracked with serious health issues from exposure to chemicals, to the Silicon Valley in California, where local citizens fight to hold tech companies accountable for its ground water pollution, “Death” maps the environmental and social consequences that arise from the production (and eventual waste) of our most beloved cell phones and personal computers.
Williams herself is an owner of an iPhone, one she admits rarely leaves her hand. But she was shocked years ago to learn that an industry we have all trusted for our productivity is linked to a supply chain with a staggering environmental and human cost. “Death,” at its steady pace, takes a jarring look at these costs and follows these beloved devices from its inception on the Foxconn factory belt, to its accelerated death in landfills where chemicals leach into the surrounding land, evaporate into the air and clouds that blow from Asia, to the shores of sunny California, and debilitates entire communities made up of factory and tech workers suffering from mass unexplained cases of cancer. “The corporate PR is so sophisticated and so polished that it’s as beautiful as your phone,” said Williams. “They can say things, but it’s not really transparent. My kind of fantasy would be that Apple says, ‘We’re not going to produce the iPhone 7 in three months. We’re going to take three years to look at our supply chain and be transparent.’ Not just [for them] to claim that they’re eco-friendly just because the headquarters is superbly green, but that their supply chain really is.”
34 YEARS
The awareness from watching “Death” inspires an internal discord meant to make us rethink our relationship with our cell phones and laptops, but William insists that there are solutions beginning with awareness to reduce the frequency and rate at which our gadgets end up in landfills. “Death” with its ominous message also spotlights innovative companies like iameco that makes environmentallyfriendly laptops made from recycled e-waste and iFixit, which provides tools and information for consumers to repair devices and use it for as long as possible. “We’ve seen it with clothing companies, we’ve seen it with sneakers, that people get upset when they hear that workers in Bangladesh and Central America are having their lives ruined because they’re making our jeans or our sneakers, the brands change. They do change. For so long, we thought this was a clean industry that there hasn’t been a demand for it. It will be interesting to see how they do respond if there is a groundswell of demand for them to clean up.” The process behind applying for film festivals is extensive, and while it was not intentional for “Death” to make its
premiere in Seattle, Williams believes that the premiere in Seattle, which many tech companies call home, is apt. From Seattle, “Death” will go on to screen at Sheffield Doc/Fest in the UK and the Martha’s Vineyard Film Festival. For more information about “Death by Design,” visit deathbydesignfilm.com. Tiffany Ran can be reached at info@nwasianweekly. com. SOLUTION
SERVICE DIRECTORY 206-625-9104 www.herrmannscholbe.com
NEED CASH NOW? LET US HELP! My family has private money to lend with your RE as collateral.
» Personal Injury» Airline Disasters» Bicycle Accidents
Credit/Income, No Problem!
Matt: 425-221-8660 SUCCESS SECRETS REVEALED! Selecting ONLY a few pre-qualified people to receive SPECIALIZED success training. For a FREE CD, and to find out if you have what it takes, please call 206-349-2808. English speaking is a must. PS-ask about a FREE CRUISE.
» Wrongful Death» Dog Bites » Pedestrian Accidents
Mandarin, Cantonese & Korean Interpreter available
HONG LAW FIRM, PLLC 206-856-8291 honglegal@gmail.com
Bankruptcy Chapter 7 Personal Injury Landlord-Tenant Simple Wills
Frank S. Hong, Attorney at Law avvo.com
The American Legion Cathay Post 186
Serving the community since 1946
cathaypost@hotmail.com
MAY 28 – JUNE 3, 2016
YOUR VOICE
■ ASTROLOGY
asianweekly northwest
15
Predictions and advice for the week of May 28–June 3 By Sun Lee Chang Rat — The true value of what you receive lays in the intent of the giver, rather than in the actual monetary value of the item.
Dragon — A carefully planned move pays off in a big way. However, it won’t happen as quickly as you thought it would.
Monkey — Avoid repeating your message too many times. Repetition can dilute what you are trying to express as opposed to emphasizing it.
Ox — It is easier to maintain something that is working, rather than trying to fix a neglected item once it is broken.
Snake — You won’t have to look too far to find that which you seek. It has been there all along, just waiting for you to take notice.
Rooster — Although safety precautions can take extra time, you will be grateful that you decided to invest where it counts.
Tiger — Why put up a barrier where there doesn’t need to be one? You don’t want to keep out the good along with the bad.
Horse — If you are missing a key ingredient, you won’t go very far until you obtain it or find a suitable substitute.
Dog — Comfort is a relative term for you these days. In contrast to what you may have preferred in the past, simpler is now much better.
Rabbit — Are you spread a little thin this week? Before you agree to do anything else, pare down what you have going on now.
Goat — With an abundance of attractive qualities, you won’t have any trouble making a good impression at an upcoming gathering.
Pig — Strike while the inspiration is still fresh in your mind. If you wait too long, the motivation could diminish.
What’s your animal sign? Rat 1912, 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008 Ox 1913, 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009 Tiger 1914, 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010 Rabbit 1915, 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011 Dragon 1916, 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012 Snake 1917, 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013 Horse 1918, 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014 Goat 1919, 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015 Monkey 1920, 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016 Rooster 1921, 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005 Dog 1922, 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006 Pig 1923, 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007
*The year ends on the first new moon of the following year. For those born in January and February, please take care when determining your sign.
WILSON from 11 All personal information is kept confidential. While these are important homeowner tools, we’re looking at other ways to preserve affordable rental housing and commercial space for small, local businesses, like so many that have been the retail backbone of the ID for generations. Of course, these programs do not address homelessness. Yet, on that front, King County Executive Dow Constantine and County Council members have committed $7 million to create 237 units of affordable housing, $10 million to help the homeless transition into housing units, and $280,000 for homeless shelters in East and South King County. Close to the International
District, Constantine has opened a new 50-bed shelter in the 4th and Jefferson Building, and increased from 50 to 100 the number of shelter beds in the King County Administration Building. I also have two personal reasons — my daughters. We adopted them as infants from Korea. Today, they are amazing young women, 28 and 32, but they both work in the restaurant industry with varying schedules and pay. Over the past 18 months, both have returned home because of affordability. It is great to have them around, but I want them eventually to be able to afford some place they can call home. I’d like to see everyone in King County have a place that is home.
OGILVIE from 1 limited or no consumer value, and finding that “diamond in the rough” that offers innovative value to consumers. Take for example, the company Ogilvie runs as CEO, DeepCell Industries. DeepCell has developed an innovative way to extract the maximum potency and concentration of cannabidiol (CBD) from cannabis. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) has the known narcotic effect in marijuana, but CBD can be used for medicinal purposes. CDB is believed to be effective in treating epilepsy, cancer, autism, and mental health conditions. It has also been found to be more effective than aspirin as an anti-inflammatory agent. Other consumer applications developed by DeepCell are the “Ruby” brand, a cannabis-infused salt and “Sapphire,” the world’s first cannabis salt.
DeepCell
“We think of ourselves as a bio Intellectual Ventures,” said Ogilvie. Intellectual Ventures is a Seattle company that partners with a worldwide network of inventors, and buys and licenses patents, according to its website. Furthermore, DeepCell licenses its IP, including the technology tools that enable companies to extract the chemicals or elements they need to create products for consumers. Just as restrictions on the cannabis industry are coming down, DeepCell is in the middle of its merging with life sciences and the pharmaceutical industry. DeepCell has developed a technology that can mix small doses of raw material, such as cannabis. “We have developed the ability to dissolve cannabis into water and control droplets (using electricity) for the first time,” says Ogilvie, applying what is called “microfluidics.” Ogilvie’s current career move to run DeepCell lines up nicely with his career path. Besides a few government jobs with former Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels and economic
“Each May, we celebrate the important contributions that the Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) community makes to the 9th district, Washington state, and to our country. As civil rights leaders working to ensure every community achieves equity, workers helping to strengthen our economy, and as members of our military defending our nation, the AAPI community is critical to ensuring that we all live in a more just world. I am honored to represent the many communities that make up the AAPI community, and I am proud to stand with you to celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month.” — Congressman Adam Smith 9th District
adviser to Governor Jay Inslee, Ogilvie started out in the biotech world, having co-founded a company currently based in Missoula, Mont. called Blue Marble Biomaterials. “Blue Marble revolutionized the chemical manufacturing sector by naturally and sustainably bio-manufacturing specialty chemicals from cellulosic biomass for the global food, fragrance, and cosmetic sectors (using bacteria),” explains Ogilvie.
Mentors and influencers
Ogilvie said “passion” is no misnomer. He is passionate about his work and believes in biotech’s role in improving people’s lives. “I’ve been helped and guided throughout my life starting with my dad, Alan Ogilvie.” One of Kelly’s favorite quotes from his father is, “When everyone goes right, go left.” Kelly’s version of his father’s advice is “go to where the puck is going to be, not where it is.” Blazing a trail is more risky, admits Ogilvie. “It’s more difficult to achieve.” To be successful in a high risk proposition, Ogilvie believes there are key factors that can mitigate the risk. “You can observe the macro (economic) trends occurring in the marketplace, where things are going.” Your education and career learning refines “a lot of gut [based], subconscious calculations of probability,” said Ogilvie. “It’s connected to what you learn out in the real world.” Ogilvie grew up locally and received his undergraduate degree from Seattle University in Humanities, with a focus on International Business. He is currently enrolled at Harvard’s extension graduate program in nanotechnology and bioengineering. Ogilvie also credits political activist Ruth Woo for helping him get his first internship with Gary Locke when Locke was in the state legislature. Seeing Locke was one of Ogilvie’s first exposures to the “non-stereotypical,” non“kung-fu” role models shown in the mass American media, which he was exposed to as a child. Other legislative leaders with whom he worked, including Kip Tokuda and
Velma Veloria, had an effect on him as well. Despite his proximity to politicians, Ogilvie said, “I don’t have political aspirations. I’m a firm believer that it should be a cause as a calling to public service. I would only consider it if I felt that I could positively impact society around an issue or cultural movement.”
On success
Millennials have a reputation of being risk averse and at times narcissistic. But Ogilvie spoke of his generation (as a 30-something) as “humane, open to and accepting of diversity, progressive, and well-educated. Millennials believe in volunteerism and care about the community,” said Ogilvie. When asked about success, Ogilvie doesn’t think about success in the traditional sense. “I see everything in life as a growing challenge, as an opportunity to change or impact the world in a positive way.” The bottom line is, regardless of what career path one chooses, “relationships are what drives the success or failure of any business.” Ogilvie said “dealing with people is the hardest thing to do. You have to build and manage teams of people who fill in where you are weak.” He stated it is critical to know yourself. “The biggest risk is selfdoubt and not knowing yourself. Your weakest wounds are self-inflicted, such as not valuing the opinions of others,” he adds. “I believe my Asian heritage has instilled honor and humility in me.” Ogilvie does not subscribe to the “my way or the highway” approach, but believes in being part of a team that embraces conciliation and compromise.” Critical to success he says is “letting go of that ‘hero-syndrome’” (we were raised with in America). “Being Asian American has helped me be that nexus.” Chris Kenji Beer can be reached at info@nwasianweekly. com.
asianweekly northwest
16
34 YEARS
MAY 28 – JUNE 3, 2016 CACA from 5
Though Kitchenbowl and Fork It are two different applications, they explained that Kitchenbowl works well for food bloggers, and Fork It is more geared towards the everyday person. “People want to spend more time cooking normal dishes. Fork It allows you to check into a topic or something you make,” Waliany said. The Kitchenbowl team recently embarked on a 21-day cooking challenge, and the most popular dish was breakfast. In fact, one of the trending topics or dishes on the Fork It app is avocado toast. “Everyone completed the challenge because of social pressure and people felt great about themselves afterwards,” he said. Waliany explained how there was incredible engagement with the concept of different diets like paleo and sugar-free diets. People are looking for ways to stay accountable. When a user checks in, they upload a photo of the dish like they would on Instagram. But instead of tagging a location, the user tags the dish or web recipe. Users are prompted to set a weekly goal, e.g. I want to cook 5 times a week, and then the app will send reminders in the form of push notifications saying, “You’re only 2 dishes away.” Wu explained that people aren’t necessarily cooking from recipes unless they are ambitious or want to try and make something new. People are usually cooking simple dishes like scrambled eggs. Waliany said that when users check into recipes, they are competing against others and the performance is tracked by leaderboards. There’s also different levels of difficulty and point scores associated with each level. He also likened the Fork It experience to a game. The more dishes you make, the more badges and levels you can unlock. It can be a fun way to build a healthier habit. The app will also recommend healthier dishes like quinoa salads, and users will get more points for that by checking into those recipes. Waliany explained that they are targeting millennials who grew up on processed foods, but the product can be applied to almost anyone who wants to cook more. “For millennials, it is similar to going to the gym. Everyone wants to do it, but very few people actually succeed. We’re trying to get people to think about cooking and engage with their food more, make it a fun and creative outlet or hobby that they love,” Waliany explained. In the near future, the couple says a key to monetization is to create more exposure to brand recipes on the app. For example, with certified Angus Beef, they could promote a beef recipe, which is also an opportunity to connect the brand with the user. Waliany said that users change their behavior when using the app, and they can be a part of that transaction leading them to make the purchase; change in commerce.
of our federal government. Over half of the 28 delegates were first-timers on the trip. The two top issues the delegates discussed with congressional staffers were birthright citizenship under the 14th Amendment and HB 2817, which seeks the extension of the Historical Preservation Fund (HPF) to October 2025. The funding authority of HPF expired in October 2015. Both issues are of much significance to Chinese Americans, in terms of identity, citizenship, immigration history, and experience. During the D.C. trip, team members also attended the 1882 Symposium, the 2016 Military Lunch, and the Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies (APAICS) Gala at which President Obama was the keynote speaker. The trip also included a visit with Mr. Martin Gold, author of the book “Forbidden Citizens: Chinese Exclusion and the U.S. Congress, A Legislative History,” a tour of the White House, and a pre-screening reception of the documentary 1882, which will be aired by PBS in June 2017. Rounding up the itinerary was a visit to the Department of Labor Hall of Honor, which includes the Chinese Railroad Workers and a briefing of the White House Initiative on Asian Pacific Americans and Pacific Islanders (WHIAPPI) at the Executive Building.
Photo by Assunta Ng/NWAW
FORK IT from 1
Fork It employees
Waliany said there is a lot of web traffic for Kitchenbowl, and the team is working to bridge that traffic with the Fork It app. “Kids will grow up on worse diets than us if the pattern continues. It’s scary and it will happen if people don’t learn how to cook for their kids, and this is a big problem in America,” Waliany said. Waliany explained that they wanted cooks and the average person consuming recipes in the same application. But because there are two different types of people, and in order to solve the consumer and producer issue, there has to be two experiences. “We wish it wasn’t the case and wish we could solve the problem with one silver bullet, but you have to have two different apps,” he said. Wu chimed in stating that they had received push back about creating two apps, but Waliany said that the data so far shows that they made the right decision. “One thing I really like about our community is that all the recipes are user generated, and there are a lot of ethnic recipes that may be harder to find online,” Wu said. Wu listed recipes including xiao long baos, Chinese dumplings, Hong Kong egg tarts, and Taiwanese salt and pepper chicken. “These days, I’m inspired by what people are cooking on Fork It. Now we’re sold on it because we saw other people making it,” he said. The next iteration of the app would be to combine both Kitchenbowl and Fork It apps so that Fork It would pull in recipes from Kitchenbowl. Nina can be reached at info@nwasianweekly.com.
Trashion fashion
http://bit.ly/1Szy4e2
Fashion Design Contest
$250 and more in prizes THE OBJECTIVE: Design a wearable outfit or garment that incorporates recycled materials and/or NWAW/ Seattle Chinese Post newspapers.
Entries due {July 8} Trashion Show {July 16} TO ENTER, SEND: — Your name, address, phone number, and e-mail address. — Up to to 3 photographs of your design — A brief description of your work
Northwest Asian Weekly Attn: Trash to Treasure 412 Maynard South Seattle, WA 98104 (Multiple entries and all ages welcomed!) Finalists will be announced in the NWAW’s {July 9} issue. *Finalists must be available to showcase their designs on {July 16} at Chinatown/ International District Dragon Fest to be eligible for prizes. PRIZES:
Entries can be directed to rsvp@ nwasianweekly.com or mailed to:
FIRST PLACE: $250 + goodies + certificate +
TITLE SPONSOR
announcement in NWAW/SCP SECOND PLACE: $150 + goodies + certificate + announcement in NWAW/SCP THIRD PLACE: $100 + goodies + certificate + announcement in NWAW/SCP HONORABLE MENTIONS Certificate + announcements in NWAW/SCP *If you need newsprint for your design, please come to the Asian Weekly’s office at 412 Maynard Avenue South to pick up back issues.
Please fill out all the fields below: Name: ___________________________________ _________________________________________ Address: _________________________________ _________________________________________ Phone: ___________________________________
SPONSORS
COMMUNITY SPONSOR
First prize in 2015
YING KAM CHAN NG
Team of designer and model Julie Stone and Karissa Lew
E-mail: ___________________________________ _________________________________________ Brief description of your design: _______________ _________________________________________
Watch our event from last year at
_________________________________________
► bit.ly/23vQmIK
_________________________________________
CO-CHAIRS
Gei Chan & Thu Ngo
PLANNING COMMITTEE
Belinda Louie, Karen Tsuo, Eugene Tagawa, Matt Chan, Andre Chow, Max Chan, Stacy Nguyen, John Liu, and Gary Tang
_________________________________________ _________________________________________ _________________________________________ _________________________________________